A Clean Car Is Money In The Bank

Keeping your car neat and clean can help you keep more money in your pocket. (NAPS)

(NAPSI)—Purchasing a new car is a major financial investment.
Keeping it clean can be an easy and inexpensive way to protect its resale and
trade-in value.

“Many motorists procrastinate when it comes to cleaning their
vehicles,” said Rich White, executive director of the nonprofit Car
Care Council. “Whether you do it yourself or have it cleaned
professionally, proactively keeping your car clean on the outside and tidy on
the inside will pay big dividends when it comes to maintaining your vehicle’s
value over time.”

The Car Care Council suggests five simple steps to keep a vehicle clean,
helping protect it from the elements and preserve its value.

• Declutter—Start
the cleaning process by removing excess clutter from inside the car as it can
be distracting and hazardous, especially when debris finds its way near the
gas and brake pedals. Don’t forget to clear out items that have
accumulated in the trunk as they can add extra weight and reduce fuel efficiency.

• Clean the Interior—The
next step is to thoroughly clean the interior, wash the windows, and clean
and install floor mats. Be sure to vacuum on a regular basis. A clean and
orderly interior lets you spot issues in the cabin so you can get them repaired
before they get worse.

• Wash the Exterior—Give
your car a good wash from top to bottom using products specifically made for
automobiles. Always clean the tires and wheels before washing the body and
don’t use the same washing mitt or cloth for both.

• Wax Twice a Year—Waxing
not only protects a vehicle’s finish, it makes subsequent washing
easier. Before proceeding, make sure there are no foreign particles on the
paint. It’s important to note that waxing should be done in the shade,
not direct sunlight.

• Fix Chips—If you
find minor paint damage, cover the paint chips as quickly as possible to
prevent further damage. For a quick fix until you can get paint touch-up
supplies, dab a little clear nail polish on the scratch.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car
Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of
regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers.

Free Guide

To order a free copy of the popular “Car Care Guide,” visit
the council’s consumer education website, www.carcare.org.

““Keeping your car clean on the outside and
tidy on the inside will pay big dividends when it comes to maintaining your
vehicle’s value over time,” said Rich White, executive director
of the nonprofit Car Care Council. http://bit.ly/2MoHWAA”